Computer Science

Over the last few years, I've watched from afar as Pittsburgh's Remake Learning initiative has blossomed into a resource-rich network. Its 533-member organizations are striving to inspire and equip the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers and critical thinkers through hands-on, relevant learning.

Nearly 50 students attended classes at the downtown campus of the university, where they learned about programming, computer architecture, careers in computer science and cybersecurity and how to do professional networking. Now they're expected to return to their schools and serve as "computer science and cybersecurity ambassadors" and recruit a team of classmates to compete in Cyber Security Awareness Week, NYU's annual cybersecurity competition.

The makerspace isn't just a fixed space where kids come and go to complete busywork. It's an extension of a well established approach to educating students that has applications and deep implications across disciplines.

A group of organizations announced plans to launch a graduate-level educator preparation program for Colorado teachers, intended to help them gain the credentials they need to teach STEM classes in K-12. The first focus of "STEMpath" will be computer science.

H2O.ai, an artificial-intelligence platform producer, is partnering with AI4ALL, an Oakland, CA-based nonprofit working to increase diversity and inclusion in AI and to educate future AI workers about how it can be a force for social good. The goal: to democratize AI.